Personal underwater vehicle

ABSTRACT

Heat from the motor of a sealed underwater vehicle is transferred and dissipated through direct heat transfer paths having sufficient heat transfer capacity to permit the continuous operation of the motor at a safe temperature. The direct transfer path includes an annular disc that supports the rear of the motor and also reinforces the interior of the shell-like body of the vehicle; further reinforcement being provided by the fit of the battery in the vehicle. The nose cone is welded to a standard pipe and a rear dome is removably mounted and sealed to the other end of the pipe by a stretchable elastic band. A spring clip is utilized to retain the internal operating assembly together for ease of assembly and disassembly. Control grips for the vehicle provide an open grip by the diver and distribute the bulk of the pulling force across the length of the second and third sections of the diver&#39;&#39;s fingers and by friction to the full length and width of the palm.

United States Patent Peroni [541 PERSONAL UNDERWATER VEHICLE [72]inventor: George J. Peroni, Miami, Fla.

[73] Assignee: Seatech Corporation, Miami, Fla.

[22] Filed: April 14, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 28,476

Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix Attorney-Lowe and King 1 1 Aug. 22, 1972[57] ABSTRACT Heat from the motor of a sealed underwater vehicle istransferred and dissipated through direct heat transfer paths havingsuflicient heat transfer capacity to permit the continuous operation ofthe motor at a safe temperature. The direct transfer path includes anannular disc that supports the rear of the motor and also reinforces theinterior of the shell-like body of the vehicle; further reinforcementbeing provided by the fit of the battery in the vehicle. The nose coneis welded to a standard pipe and a rear dome is removably mounted andsealed to the other end of the pipe by a stretchable elastic band. Aspring clip is utilized to retain the internal operating assemblytogether for ease of assembly and disassembly. Control grips for thevehicle provide an open grip by the diver and distribute the bulk of thepulling force across the length of the second and third sections of thediver's fingers and by friction to the full length and width of thepalm.

21 Chins, 6 Drawing figures PATENTED AUG 2 2 I972 SHE! 2 BF 3 PERSONALUNDERWATER VEHICLE The present invention relates to motorized devicesfor working submerged in a fluid environment, and more particularly, toan improved vehicle for operation under water to give a diver increasedmobility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Exploration of the sea by sport enthusiasts,as well as scientists, is becoming more and more sophisticated. Thediver is being provided with new equipment to permit longer, and thusmore productive dives into the underwater world. The divers breathingapparatus has been developed to the point where extended dives of atleast a full hour of submerged time is commonplace. Underwater houseswhere the diver can retreat for obtaining a new air supply, resting andeating have been developed in recent years to further increase theefficiency of the diver. The final link in improving the diversefficiency is to provide him with an improved vehicle to assist him inincreasing his range of movement and to conserve his energy for usefulwork by removing the burden of having to propel himself through thewater.

Such diver assisting vehicles have been proposed in the past; however,due to many limitations, these vehicles have left much to be desired interms of allowing the diver to reach the full potential of his workefficien cy. To explain, a vehicle for use in free diving andexploration must enclose and protect the motor and power source from theambient water. The motor, which is most commonly an electric motorproduces a substantial amount of power loss heat which must bedissipated during use. In the past, as one solution, many elaboratehydraulic and pneumatic cooling systems have been devised for underwatervehicles; however, each of these systems adds greatly to the cost andmaintenance of a vehicle, shortens the range of the vehicle due to thepower drain imposed by the associated pumps or fans, and increases theweight of the vehicle necessitating a corresponding increase in size togain the necessary displacement volume to reach the desired neutralbuoyancy. Thus, it has generally been agreed that it would be desirableto eliminate such cooling systems and rely on the ambient water tosupply the necessary cooling through the heat transfer relationshipbetween said water and the skin of the vehicle.

Thus, another solution that has been proposed is to totally orcompletely enclose the vehicle with no auxiliary cooling arrangement.However, prior to the present invention, the amount of heat generated insuch a vehicle has far exceeded the amount of heat that can betransferred from the motor and dissipated through the skin when themotor is continuously driven. Because of this, divers have had to becontent with a vehicle of the totally sealed type that allows onlyintermittent operation with periods in between to allow dissipation ofthe built up heat. For example, in order to keep the temperature of themotor and other operating components at a safe operating level, priorvehicles of which I am aware could operate substantially continuouslyfor only a few minutes, at which time it would become necessary for thediver to delay his travelling r exploration to allow the vehicle toremain idle for several minutes and let the operating temperature fallback within the allowable range. If a diver should happen to disregardthis pre-set time operating limitation, the temperature of the motorwould continue to climb during continuous operation and after reaching athreshold temperature of approximately l25 C, permanent damage to themotor would result and eventually the motor would burn out.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is one object of the presentinvention to provide a device, and more particularly a personalunderwater vehicle, for use in a fluid environment, specifically underwater, that is capable of dissipation of sufficient power loss heatwithout auxiliary cooling means to permit continuous operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an underwatervehicle having novel means for dissipation of the power loss heat, bothPR and friction heat, so that the maximum temperature during continuousoperation is maintained well within the safe range.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an underwatervehicle that is simple in construction for low cost manufacture and easymaintenance while still attaining the above objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To attain these and other objectives ofthe invention, the present invention makes use of direct heat transferpaths from the motor to the outer shell-like body or skin of thevehicle. These heat transfer paths are effectively gained through directinterconnection between the motor and the body with the heat transfercapacity of the transfer means and said body being sufficient todissipate the power loss heat generated by said motor and thereby allowcontinuous operation. Preferably, the structure forming the heattransfer paths is also utilized to support the motor within the body orskin and to reinforce said body against collapse due to the externalstatic pressure of the water. According to the present invention, themain heat transfer path of the vehicle is provided at the rear orinterior end of the motor and includes an annular disc having its innerperiphery in heat transfer engagement with the motor and its outerperiphery in heat transfer engagement with the interior of the body.Heat is transferred radially outwardly and then both forward andrearward in a circumferential path along said body to be quickly cooledby the surrounding water.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, the heat transfer path is augmentedby essentially the same type of direct heat transfer engagement of theopposite end of the motor with the forward face or nose of the body. Asthus mounted, the motor has two efficient heat transfer paths withoutany interior hydraulic or pneumatic cooling system, as heretofore hasbeen necessary for continuous operation. The heat transfer paths arepreferably located at the end bells of the motor so that the frictionheat from the bearings is transferred immediately radially outward tothe shell-like body for rapid dissipation.

Other features of the invention include making of the shell-like body inthree sectionsnamely, a nose cone, a standard size pipe for the middleand rear sections and a removable rear dome for covering the end of saidpipe for access to the interior. The removable rear dome is held inposition by an elastic band which extends around the girth of the bodyand covers the exterior side of the interconnection between the dome andthe pipe. At least one portion of the longitudinal extent of the band isnot permanently attached to the corresponding part so that the same maybe rolled back on the other portion to release the rear dome. The bandis under sufficient tension to cause a watertight seal at sea level withthe seal becoming more efficient as the depth increases.

The battery or power source is positioned within the body so as toengage the interior surface to strengthen the body. A spring clip isprovided to releasably hold the battery in position along thelongitudinal axis of the vehicle while being capable of release orremoval of the battery for recharging and servicing. The spring clipalso serves as a convenient arm for withdrawing the motor from itsmounted position within the confines of the nose cone through the rearopening.

Further, the control grips or handles for the personal underwatervehicle of the present invention are specially designed to give improveddistribution of the pulling force on the driver's hands. According tothis aspect of the invention, the grips are sufficiently wide to engageacross the length of the second and third sections of the fingers andlength and width of the palm of the diver and to limit the hand of thediver to a generally open grip. This configuration, along with apreferred (but not essential) inward and forward tilt of approximatelyof the handles, has been found to give the diver maximum control withminimum fatigue to the hands and also to the forearms. A plunger havinga magnetic element is positioned within one of the handles for operationby the index finger of the diver. This activates the motor or drivemeans of the vehicle when depressed by bringing the magnetic elementinto the operating range of a magnetic-proximity switch mounted withinthe shell-like body.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomereadily apparent to those skilled in this art from the followingdetailed description, wherein I have shown and described only thepreferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of illustration ofthe best mode contemplated by me of carrying out my invention. As willbe realized, the invention is capable of other and differentembodiments, and its several details are capable of modification invarious obvious respects, all without departing from the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I illustrates a side view of apersonal underwater vehicle constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe vehicle of the invention,

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the internal working parts as removedthrough the rear of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the forward most portion ofthe vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the control handle of thevehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference now to FIG. 1, thepreferred embodiment of the invention may be described with more detailin order to permit one skilled in the art to understand and practicesaid invention. There is illustrated a personal underwater vehiclehaving an outer shell-like body or skin, generally designated by thereference numeral 10, and forming a watertight enclosure. The body 10 isdivided into three sections; namely a nose cone 11 forming the forwardsection, a standard size pipe or tube 12 forming the middle and rearsections and a rear dome l3 covering the rear end of the pipe 12 andcompleting the enclosure. The body [0 may be fabricated of any suitablematerial that is lightweight and resistive to corrosion; the mostobvious selections in this case being metal, such as aluminum, orthermal conductive plastic. The nose cone II and the rear dome I3 arefabricated, such as by casting and a subsequent turning operation so asto mate with the standard size pipe 12 in the manner shown, whichgreatly contributes to the economy of manufacture of the vehicle.

The nose cone I1 is attached to the pipe 12 by an overlaping jointsealed by a circumferential weld bead 15. An inverted U-shaped bar 16 iswelded to the top of the body 10 to form a convenient means for handlingthe vehicle out of the water. A plurality of fins 17 are positioned atthe forward end of the nose cone 1] to support a nozzle 18 aroundpropeller 19. The nozzle I8 limits the flow of water radially outwardfrom the tips of the propeller 19 thereby forcing the stream rearwardlyand producing maximum reaction force to move the vehicle forward.

Also, the nozzle 18 serves to protect the propeller against hittingforeign objects, such as on the sea floor. As will be described more indetail later. a pair of operating handles or grips 20, 21 (see FIGS. 1and 5) are mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Bent bar elements extenddownwardly from the handles to form a pair of rear support feet 22, 23(see FIGS. 1 and 2). Similar forward support feet 24, 25 are provided atthe front of the vehicle, thereby completing a stable fourpoint supportwhen the vehicle is not in use.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the rear dome13 is held in position and sealed with respect to the pipe 12 by anannular elastic band extending around the girth of the body 10 andspanning the interconnection at this point. The band, which may be ofrubber, is positioned in place in a sufficiently stretched condition soas to frictionally hold the dome in place and to self seal the joint.

The forward portion of the width of the band 30 is preferably cementedin position on the pipe 12. The dome 13 includes a peripherical flange31 that overlays the end of the pipe 12 and extends up to the point ofattachment. In this manner, the band 30 when in sealing position hassufficient engagement with the flange 31 to hold the dome 13 in position(see FIG. 2). In use, when the vehicle is submerged in water, the staticpressure acting on the exterior of the band 30 and on the dome l3inherently increases the holding force of this novel seal and attachingmeans to thereby make it even more effective. Also, when the vehicle ismoving through the water, the band 30 presents a joint that is resistiveto disturbance by the slip stream since the forward por tion of thewidth of said band 30 is permanently attached. However for a veryimportant reason, a small section of this forward portion is notcemented and overlies a breathing aperture 300 in the pipe 12. Thus, asthe vehicle operates, pressurized gas generated by battery B isharmlessly released by intermittent raising of the band 30, as shown bythe dotted line outline in FIG. 2. The effective differential or gaugepressure in the vehicle may be selectively varied by changing the sizeof the hole 300, the tension of the band 30 and the positioning of thehole 300 back from the edge of said band 30, as desired. A cooperativeselection of these parameters to give a 5 psi. level has been found tobe desirable. This pressure allows release of gas bubbles withoutsignificant retrograde movement of the water back into the interior ofthe vehicle 10; the band 30 being effective to immediately return to thefull line, sealed position of FIG. 2.

When it is desired to remove the rear dome 13 for access to the interiorof the body 10, the rear edge of the band is grasped; pulled forwardlyuntil the rear portion of the width of the band overlays the forwardportion, as is illustrated in FIG. 3. To reapply the dome l3, and at thesame time to effect a self resealing of the body 10, the dome 13 ismerely reapplied and the free edge of the band 30 grasped and pulledback into position overlying the flange 31 of said dome 13, as in FIGS.1 and 2.

Positioned on the interior of the body 10 substantially within theconfines of the nose cone 11 is an electric motor M which supplies thedriving force to the propeller 19 through a suitable drive shaft 35. Inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated,this motor M is electric and operable on dc. current obtained from aconventional power source, such as wet cell battery B. Because of theirready availability, the motor M is or may be of the type conventionallyutilized for starter motors of internal combustion engines and thebattery B is or may be a twelve volt lead-acid battery, alsoconventional.

As in all types of motors, the electric motor M sustains a power loss oftwo types during operation that is given off in the form of heat. Thefirst type is determined by the formula l R, wherein l is the currentflow through the system and R is the resistance of the windings in themotor M. The second type of loss is from friction in the end bearingsthat support the shaft 35 and rotor 38 of the motor M (only one bearing37 being shown in FlG. 3). Since the body 10 is completely sealed toprotect the working parts from the water, the annular space 36 is deadair space which is, in effect, an insulator that prevents the effectivedissipation of this heat. The ends of the motor M are formed by endbells 39, 39 within which the bearings 37 fit. Elongated bolts 40 extendthrough the housing of the motor M and are effective to hold the endbells 39 into position by collars 41 at the forward end (see FIGS. 3 and4) and suitable nuts 42 at the rear end.

In accordance with one important feature of the present invention, anannular disc 50 is fixed to the rear bell 39 in a suitable manner, suchas by a force fit around the perimeter thereof. The disc 50 is made ofheat transfer material, capable of transferring heat from the motor Mradially outward to its outer perimeter. A suitable material having highheat conductivity is aluminum, although other metals such as steel orthe like could be used. The outer periphery of the disc 50, in turn,engages the interior of the body 10 just inside the rear lip of the nosecone 11. The fit of these two parts is snug so as to provide anefficient transfer path to the outer shell-like body 10. If desired formaximum heat transfer efficiency, a thermal conductive compound, such asa silicone grease sold under the trade name INSULGREASE, can be usedbetween these mating parts and others at heat transfer points. After theheat is transferred to the body 10 it travels forward and rearward alongthe nose cone 1] and the pipe 12, respectively, around the fullperimeter thereof to dissipate quickly to the surrounding water.

The thickness of the disc 50 is important in order to provide a paththat has a capacity of heat transfer equal to the heat generated by themotor during continuous operation. As an example, if the motor M is adc. cur rent motor having a A horsepower rating, and a path is to beprovided at each end of said motor, then the disc 50 is made, inaccordance with the invention, approximately one-fourth inch thick andpositioned at the end bell 39 whereupon efficient cooling of the motorto prevent overheating will occur. On the upper end of the scale wherethe underwater vehicle might include an enclosed compartment for two ormore divers, a 20 horsepower motor would require discs of approximately1 inch thickness to dissipate the heat.

Approximately percent of the heat generated in a dc current motorresults from the friction loss in the bearings, the second type of heatloss mentioned above, so that the heat transfer by the disc 50contacting this area is the most efficient. Related to efficiency, thereis a way to determine the required or most effective size of the disc 50in the practice of the invention. First, the motor M is assumed to havebearings 37 sized to accommodate the design load of said motor M. Thenthe area of the outer periphery of the bearing 37, as thus determined bythe load capacity rating, is checked and must be found to be sufficientto accommodate the friction heat loss plus the part of the R loss forthe rotor 38 of the motor M. Finally, I have discovered that todissipate the necessary heat under normal conditions of the underwaterapplications of the device of the present invention, the area of theouter periphery of the disc 50 should be at least 2 times thecorresponding peripheral area of the bearing 37 and the cross section ofthe disc 50 is thereby determined. Of course, if desired or found to benecessary, greater heat transfer capability may be attained by utilizinga higher ratio, such as about 3 to l, which is in fact the caseinvolving the design for the one-half horsepower motor example citedabove. With this arrangement, the motor can be maintained within therange of allowable temperatures during continuous operation; i.e.,operation wherein the diver is continually on the move in search typeoperations and disregarding irregular, short interruptions to controlthe speed of the vehicle 10 or to allow brief inspection of thesurroundings. This improvement thus, in short, enables a diver to worksubstantially continuously for one hour or more without the need toperiodically stop to allow dissipation of excess heat, as

has heretofore been necessary. With the positive and direct heattransfer radially outward through the disc 50, the motor M remains at asubstantially constant temperature which is approximately 10-20F abovethe ambient water temperature.

Advantageously, the disc 50 being mounted on the end bell 39 directs thefriction loss heat along the shortest possible path to the body 10 fordissipation. The lR loss that occurs in the stator windings of the motorM is transferred mainly along the cylindrical housing of said motor Malso to the end bell and then along the same path radially outward.

The heat transfer for the front of the motor M can be effected throughthe end bell 39' by positioning the same in snug or heat transferengagement with the forwardmost interior surface of the nose cone 11, asbest shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. The surface area contact between the nosecone 11 and the end bell 39' is annular and in accordance with theprescribed ratio for efficient transfer of PR and friction heat from themotor M with only nose portion 44 not being in direct contact with theforward face of the motor M. Suitable cap nuts 45 are fastened to theforward end of the bolts 40 to gain this face to face heat transferengagement; suitable O-rings 46 being provided for sealing around theopening to prevent the entry of water (see FIG. 4).

The disc 50 and the bolts 40, in addition to holding the motor M inrelation to the body 10 for the heat transfer, obviously also serve thenecessary function of holding or supporting said motor M in place. Inaddition, these parts serve to reinforce the nose cone ll againstcollapse due to the static pressure of the water.

To seal the interior of the body 10 from entry of water around the driveshaft 35, there is provided a rotating shaft seal 60 that is urgedforwardly by a spring 61 seated in a washer 62. The seal 60 prevents theentry of water around the shaft due to the engagement of theconventional lip. A ceramic member 63 is positioned just in front of theseal 60 to cooperate with the front face of the seal 60; an annularrubber shoe 64 serving to give the member 63 a resilient characteristic.The shoe 64 also provides for a seal against entry of water between theouter perimeter of these members and the nose portion 44.

As viewed in FIG. 5, the battery B is preferably and in accordance withone feature of the present invention selected to have an exterior sizethat approximates the interior of the pipe 12. That is, the lower comers(taken along a transverse or end view) are adapted to engage the bottomof interior of the pipe 12. Positioned at the upper corners are a pairof sizing runners 70 that fit along the upper longitudinal edges with asnug fit against the upper portion of the interior of pipe 12. Theserunners 70 serve the purpose of holding the battery B in positionagainst movement in the sidcwise direction, but most importantly, serveto allow reinforcement of the pipe 12 by the structure of battery Bitself. With the battery B being of a conventional molded hard rubber orplastic construction, a substantial amount of reinforcement and rigidityis added to the pipe [2 due to this arrangement. This reinforcementcoupled with the reinforcement by the annular disc 50 and the boltsallows the body [0 to be constructed of material substantially thinnerthan would otherwise be required, and advantageously eliminates any needfor internal reinforcing beams or columns.

To properly position the battery B within the body 10 and to prevent anylengthwise movement of the same, a spring clip is positioned underneath,as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clip 75 is L-shaped and supported inthe front by the lower motor bolt 40 attached by the corresponding nut42. The clip 75 is fabricated from metal which is resilient along itslength and at forward angle 76 so that said clip 75 is biased upwardlyinto snug engagement against the bottom of the battery B. as shown inH6. 2.

The rear stop for the battery B on the clip 75 is formed by an upwardand rearwardly directed stop 77. The forward stop is conveniently formedby positioning of solenoid S in front of the stop 77 spaced a distancesubstantially equal to the length of said battery B. To assure a tightfit of the battery B between the stops, a resilient pad 78 is placed onthe rearward face of the solenoid S. Since the front of the motor M isattached to the nose cone 11 by nuts 45, the entire internal operatingassembly is thereby interconnected in a secure manner. Also, thisarrangement lends itself for the ease of servicing, as will now bedescribed.

First, to merely remove the battery B for checking of the fluid leveland for recharging, the rear portion 80 of the clip 75 may be pusheddownwardly to free the bot tom of battery B. A rearwardly directed tab81 is provided for engagement by one hand to facilitate this action.Because the portion 80 is reduced in cross section (see FIG. 3), it ismore easily bent to the release position with the one hand engagement.When the stop 77 is depressed sufficiently to allow the bottom of thebattery B to slip over it, said battery B can be easily removed throughthe rear opening by merely engaging the sides and pulling the samerearwardly.

When it is desired to remove the entire internal operating assembly, thespring clip 75 again plays a unique role. The nuts 45 are first removedfrom the front of the nose cone l1 releasing the assembly. By engagingunderneath the tab 81, the assembly, including the motor M and thespring clip 75 may be simply withdrawn through the rear opening of thepipe 12. When reassembly is desire, the clip 75 again serves as an armso that the motor M can be replaced in position within the nose cone 11by sliding the disc 50 along the interior of the body 10. After theshaft 35 of the motor M passes through the opening in the nose portion44, it can be used to assist in bringing the disc 50 into snugengagement with the rear lip of the nose cone 11, as shown in FIG. 2.This arrangement completely eliminates the need for a separable joint inthe center of the body 10 where the stress is the greatest duringrunning and maneuvering of the vehicle. Adjacent the rear dome 13, thereis virtually no operating stresses thus permitting the use of theself-sealing elastic band 30 in accordance with the invention.

As previously mentioned, the grips 20, 21 have been designed with anincreased size girth to limit the hand of the diver to a generally opengrip to allow maximum control of the vehicle 10 and to reduce thefatigue in the hands and forearm of the diver. Furthermore, by providingsaid handles 20. 21 with an average leading face width W (FIG. 5) ofsubstantially the same as the length as the second and third sections ofthe fingers of the hand, as the vehicle 10 pulls the diver forwardthrough the water, the maximum area of this strongest portion of thefingers is utilized to transmit the bulk of the pulling force. However,the palm of the hand assists in transmission of the pulling force byfrictional engagement along substantially the full length and widththereof with the outwardly curved face F of the handles 20, 21. Thediver insures this frictional engagement by exerting an inward pressureon the handles, which is a natural reaction in grasping. Furthermore,since the shoulders of the diver are wider than the distance between thehandles, the dynamic pressure of the slipstream acting against theleading face of the arms assists in maintaining the palms of the hand inthe proper contact with the handles 20, 21.

These features insure against fatigue since the force is notconcentrated in a small area of the hand as with previously designedhandles. Furthermore, maximum control is gained since the turning andshifting up and down of the rear of the vehicle 10 to steer the same isnow controlled with the open grip permitting freer wrist action. Thegrips 20, 21 are welded to the pipe 12 at spaced supports defining anopening therebetween to allow the free passage of the water slipstreamand thereby negating any tendency for the hand to be lifted up by waterpressure from the grip.

A plurality of finger dividing ridges 85 are provided on the handles 20around the outside facing, substantially 90 of the girth. Thisfacilitates the placement of the fingers and prevents slipping as therear of the vehicle I0 is positioned during maneuvers. Angles of forwardand inward inclination of the grips 20, 21 (see angle 6 in FIG. 1 andangle 4) in FIG. 5, respectively) are approximately and can beincorporated to give improved control capability. The forward angleallows the diver to follow slightly above the vehicle in which positionmaximum forward visibility is to be gained. The inward angle bestapproximates the natural holding on position of the hands. The grips 20,21 are preferably cast of aluminum and may be made for convenience inone piece and welded into place along with the rear feet 22, 23 asshown; this construction further also adding to the reinforcement of thebody 10.

With the open grip design of the handles 20, 21, the index finger isfree to operate a control magnet plunger 90 in the handle 21 to turn themotor M on and off as desired. As shown in FIG. 6, the plunger 90 ispositioned in a mounting chamber having a bottom 91 to confine a returnspring 92. The lower end of the plunger 90 is securely held by the upperturns of the spring 92. Drain hole 95 is provided to prevent dashpoteffect when the plunger 90 is operated. The terminal end of the spring92 extends through the hole 95 so that the final turn forms a hook tohold the magnet and spring assembly in position. When the plunger 90 isdepressed it is brought into proximity with a magnetically responsiveswitch 96 effective through conventional wiring connections and thesolenoid S to start the motor M. The switch 95 is effective to turn offthe motor M anytime the plunger 90 is released since the spring 92immediately moves the magnet out of the critical operating range.

In view of the foregoing description and explanation of the details ofthe vehicle of the present invention, the advance over the prior art ofthe several features can readily be seen. First, due to the provisionfor direct transfer of heat from the motor M, continuous operation ofsaid motor M at a maximum temperature well within the allowabletemperature range is now permitted. The provision of the annular disc 50to perform this essential function while at the same time serving to (l)support said motor M and (2) reinforce the body 10, is of particularinterest. The battery B with runners and the handles 20, 21 servefurther to strengthen and rigidify the body 10. The novel spring clipserves to position the battery B and allows combined ease of assemblyand disassembly of the internal operating assembly. A simplifiedcombined seal. breather and attaching means in the form of an elasticband 30 has been provided. The band makes the rear dome 13 easilyremovable to afford access to the interior. The handles 20, 21 are madeso as to open up the grip of the diver to reduce fatigue andsubstantially increase the control precision by the diver.

[n this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferredembodiment of the invention, but, as aforementioned, it is to beunderstood that the invention is capable of various changes ormodifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressedherein.

lclaim:

1. In a motorized device for work in a fluid environment, thecombination of a motor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosure tosubstantially surround and protect the motor from the environment, atleast a portion of the outer surface of said body being capable oftransferring heat to said environment, and means for directlytransferring substantially the total heat from said motor to saidportion of said body, said heat transfer means being at least partiallylocated adjacent one end of said motor, the heat transfer capacity ofsaid means and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power lossheat generated by said motor to permit substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is in said environment, said shell like body comprising asection of tubular metal pipe, a cone attached to one end of said pipein sealed relationship, said motor being mounted within the confines ofsaid cone, and a removable dome fitting on the end opposite said one endof said pipe and means for attaching and sealing said dome to said pipe.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for attaching andsealing said dome comprises an elastic band stretchably spanning theinterconnection between said pipe and said rear dome, at least oneportion of the width of said band being sufficiently resilient to beseparable from the corresponding part of said body by pulling said bandback onto the other portion thereof to allow removal of said dome andaccess to the interior of said body, the sealing efficiency of the bandsea] being increased as the exterior pressure of said fluid environmentis increased.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein is further provided a breatherpassageway underlying and sealed by said elastic band, said passagewayallowing release of fluid pressure by bubbling from the interior of saiddevice to said environment.

4. An underwater vehicle for personal use comprising an outer shell-likebody forming a watertight enclosure, a motor having a housingsubstantially surrounded by said shell, propulsion means connected tosaid motor for moving said vehicle through the water, an annular discclose fitting around said housing for supporting said motor within saidbody, said disc forming a heat transfer path whereby heat generated inthe motor is transferred radially outward through said disc, the outerperiphery of said disc close fitting in heat transfer relationship withthe interior of said body and spaced from the end walls of the shell,said body being capable of transferring heat to the water and the heattransfer capacity of said disc and said body being sufficient todissipate the power loss heat generated by said motor to permit thesubstantially high output and continuous operation of said motor at asubstantially constant maximum temperature within the allowabletemperature range of said motor while said body is under water.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the annular disc is mounted onsaid motor housing substantially in the plane of one bearing of saidmotor to directly transfer friction heat therefrom radially outwardly tosaid body.

6. The combination of claim 4 wherein said body includes a nose cone,said motor being mounted substantially within said nose cone, thehousing of said motor adjacent the other bearing of said motor beingmounted in face-to-face contact with the forward portion of said nosecone to effect further support of said motor and direct friction heattransfer from said other bearing.

7. An underwater vehicle for personal use comprising an electric motor,a battery for energizing said motor, a shell-like body fonning awatertight and substantially surrounding enclosure to protect the motorand battery from the ambient water, propulsion means connected to saidmotor for moving said vehicle through the water, said body being capableof transferring heat to said ambient water and annular means spaced fromthe endwalls of the body for supporting said motor within the interiorof said body, said annular means forming a heat transfer path fordirectly transferring the power loss heat from said motor to said body,the heat transfer capacity of said annular means and said body beingsufficient to dissipate said heat from said motor so as to permit thesubstantially high output and continuous operation of said motor at asubstantially constant maximum temperature within the allowabletemperature range of said motor while said body is under water.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said body and said motor arecylindrical in shape and coaxial, said motor being spaced from said bodyby an insulator along the longitudinal axis substantially the fulllength of said motor, said annular means including a disc coaxiallymounted at one end of said motor.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein is provided a retainer clip forsaid battery, said clip being attached to said one end of said motor andsaid disc for support and extending under said battery, stop means onsaid clip for preventing shifting of said battery along said body.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said clip is spring metal biasedupwardly so as to fit snugly against the bottom of said battery, saidstop means including an upwardly extending projection on said clippositioned behind said battery, a removable rear dome for presenting anopen end of said body adjacent said projection, said clip being adaptedfor release of said battery for removal past said projection upon beingsprung downwardly.

II. The combination of claim 10 wherein said projection forms a handleto facilitate removal of said motor from said body by pulling andwithdrawal through said open end.

12. The combination of claim 7 wherein said battery has exteriordimensions approximating the interior of said body to permit a snug fittherein, said battery being sufficiently rigid to reinforce said body.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein is provided a pair of runnersfor positioning along the longitudinal edges of said battery to adaptsaid battery for said snug fit.

14. An underwater vehicle to pull a diver through the water comprising ashell-like body, drive means in said body for propelling said vehicle, ahandle means on said body for grasping by said diver, said handle havinga girth such as to limit the hand of said diver to a generally opengrip, the forward face dimension of said handle transverse to themovement through the water being sufficiently wide to distribute thepulling force across substantially the full length of the second andthird sections of the fingers of the diver whereby maximum control andminimum fatigue of said hand is gained, said handle means includes anoutwardly curved surface to fit the palm of the hand of the diver topermit transmission of pulling force through frictional engagement, saidcurved surface merging smoothly with the forward face of said handle,the cross section said handle including said curved surface beingsubstantially tear-shaped and means for mounting said handle means onsaid body but spaced therefrom to permit ease of flow of watertherebetween.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein said handle means includesspaced parallel ridges extending at least partially around the girth ofsaid handle in at least a are to separate the fingers and preventslipping along the same.

16. The combination of claim 14 wherein is provided plunger meansreciprocally mounted in said handle to activate said drive means, saidplunger means being exposed for engagement by the hand of the diver.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said plunger means includes amagnet adjacent the lower end thereof and wherein is provided amagnetically responsive switch on the inside of said body adjacent saidhandle for activation of said drive means upon depressing said plungerto bring said magnet into proximity to said switch.

18. The combination of claim 14 wherein said handle means is tiltedforward for ease of control by the diver when positioned behind andslightly above said vehicle.

19. The combination of claim 14 wherein said handle means is tiltedinwardly to approximate the natural holding on position of the hands.

20. [n a motorized device for work in a fluid environment, thecombination of a motor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosure tosubstantially surround and protect the motor from the environment, atleast a portion of the outer surface of said body being capable oftransferring heat to said environment, and means for directlytransferring substantially the total heat from said motor to saidportion of said body, said heat transfer means being at least partiallylocated adjacent one end of said motor, the heat transfer capacity ofsaid means and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power lossheat generated by said motor to permit substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is in said environment, said motor including a cylindricalhousing and said heat transfer means comprising an annular disc, saiddisc fitting in heat transfer relationship around the outer periphery ofsaid housing and the inner periphery of said body, said housingincluding and end bell to form the end of said motor, said disc beingmounted substantially in the plane of said bell.

21. in a motorized device for work in a fluid environment, thecombination of a motor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosure tosubstantially surround and protect the motor from the environment, atleast a portion of the outer surface of said body being capable oftransferring heat to said environment, and means for directlytransferring substantially the total heat from said motor to saidportion of said body, said heat transfer means being at least partiallylocated adjacent one end of said motor, the heat transfer capacity ofsaid means and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power lossheat generated by said motor to permit substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is in said environment, said heat transfer means including anend bell of one end of said motor mounted in contact with one end ofsaid shelllike body so as to be in heat transfer relationship therewithwhereby to directly transfer heat to said body to aid in dissipation ofthe heat from said motor.

1. In a motorized device for work in a fluid environment, thecombination of a motor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosure tosubstantially surround and protect the motor from the environment, atleast a portion of the outer surface of said body being capable oftransferring heat to said environment, and means for directlytransferring substantially the total heat from said motor to saidportion of said body, said heat transfer means being at least partiallylocated adjacent one end of said motor, the heat transfer capacity ofsaid means and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power lossheat generated by said motor to permit substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is in said environment, said shell-like body comprising asection of tubular metal pipe, a cone attached to one end of said pipein sealed relationship, said motor being mounted within the confines ofsaid cone, and a removable dome fitting on the end opposite said one endof said pipe and means for attaching and sealing said dome to said pipe.2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means for attaching andsealing said dome comprises an elastic band stretchably spanning theinterconnection between said pipe and said rear dome, at least oneportion of the width of said band being sufficiently resilient to beseparable from the corresponding part of said body by pulling said bandback onto the other portion thereof to allow removal of said dome andaccess to the interior of said body, the sealing efficiency of the bandseal being increased as the exterior pressure of said fluid environmentis increased.
 3. The combination of claim 2 wherein is further provideda breather passageway underlying and sealed by said elastic band, saidpassageway allowing release of fluid pressure by bubbling from theinterior of said device to said environment.
 4. An underwater vehiclefor personal use comprising an outer shell-like body forming awatertight enclosure, a motor having a housing substantially surroundedby said shell, propulsion means connected to said motor for moving saidvehicle through the water, an annular disc close fitting around saidhousing for supporting said motor within said body, said disc forming aheat transfer path whereby heat generated in the motor is transferredradially outward through said disc, the outer periphery of said discclose fitting in heat transfer relationship with the interior of saidbody and spaced from the end walls of the shell, said body being capableof transferring heAt to the water and the heat transfer capacity of saiddisc and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power loss heatgenerated by said motor to permit the substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is under water.
 5. The combination of claim 4 wherein theannular disc is mounted on said motor housing substantially in the planeof one bearing of said motor to directly transfer friction heattherefrom radially outwardly to said body.
 6. The combination of claim 4wherein said body includes a nose cone, said motor being mountedsubstantially within said nose cone, the housing of said motor adjacentthe other bearing of said motor being mounted in face-to-face contactwith the forward portion of said nose cone to effect further support ofsaid motor and direct friction heat transfer from said other bearing. 7.An underwater vehicle for personal use comprising an electric motor, abattery for energizing said motor, a shell-like body forming awatertight and substantially surrounding enclosure to protect the motorand battery from the ambient water, propulsion means connected to saidmotor for moving said vehicle through the water, said body being capableof transferring heat to said ambient water and annular means spaced fromthe endwalls of the body for supporting said motor within the interiorof said body, said annular means forming a heat transfer path fordirectly transferring the power loss heat from said motor to said body,the heat transfer capacity of said annular means and said body beingsufficient to dissipate said heat from said motor so as to permit thesubstantially high output and continuous operation of said motor at asubstantially constant maximum temperature within the allowabletemperature range of said motor while said body is under water.
 8. Thecombination of claim 7 wherein said body and said motor are cylindricalin shape and coaxial, said motor being spaced from said body by aninsulator along the longitudinal axis substantially the full length ofsaid motor, said annular means including a disc coaxially mounted at oneend of said motor.
 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein is provided aretainer clip for said battery, said clip being attached to said one endof said motor and said disc for support and extending under saidbattery, stop means on said clip for preventing shifting of said batteryalong said body.
 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said clip isspring metal biased upwardly so as to fit snugly against the bottom ofsaid battery, said stop means including an upwardly extending projectionon said clip positioned behind said battery, a removable rear dome forpresenting an open end of said body adjacent said projection, said clipbeing adapted for release of said battery for removal past saidprojection upon being sprung downwardly.
 11. The combination of claim 10wherein said projection forms a handle to facilitate removal of saidmotor from said body by pulling and withdrawal through said open end.12. The combination of claim 7 wherein said battery has exteriordimensions approximating the interior of said body to permit a snug fittherein, said battery being sufficiently rigid to reinforce said body.13. The combination of claim 12 wherein is provided a pair of runnersfor positioning along the longitudinal edges of said battery to adaptsaid battery for said snug fit.
 14. An underwater vehicle to pull adiver through the water comprising a shell-like body, drive means insaid body for propelling said vehicle, a handle means on said body forgrasping by said diver, said handle having a girth such as to limit thehand of said diver to a generally open grip, the forward face dimensionof said handle transverse to the movement through the water beingsufficiently wide to distribute the pulling force across substantiallythe full length of the second and third sectiOns of the fingers of thediver whereby maximum control and minimum fatigue of said hand isgained, said handle means includes an outwardly curved surface to fitthe palm of the hand of the diver to permit transmission of pullingforce through frictional engagement, said curved surface mergingsmoothly with the forward face of said handle, the cross section saidhandle including said curved surface being substantially tear-shaped andmeans for mounting said handle means on said body but spaced therefromto permit ease of flow of water therebetween.
 15. The combination ofclaim 14 wherein said handle means includes spaced parallel ridgesextending at least partially around the girth of said handle in at leasta 90* arc to separate the fingers and prevent slipping along the same.16. The combination of claim 14 wherein is provided plunger meansreciprocally mounted in said handle to activate said drive means, saidplunger means being exposed for engagement by the hand of the diver. 17.The combination of claim 16 wherein said plunger means includes a magnetadjacent the lower end thereof and wherein is provided a magneticallyresponsive switch on the inside of said body adjacent said handle foractivation of said drive means upon depressing said plunger to bringsaid magnet into proximity to said switch.
 18. The combination of claim14 wherein said handle means is tilted forward for ease of control bythe diver when positioned behind and slightly above said vehicle. 19.The combination of claim 14 wherein said handle means is tilted inwardlyto approximate the natural holding on position of the hands.
 20. In amotorized device for work in a fluid environment, the combination of amotor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosure to substantiallysurround and protect the motor from the environment, at least a portionof the outer surface of said body being capable of transferring heat tosaid environment, and means for directly transferring substantially thetotal heat from said motor to said portion of said body, said heattransfer means being at least partially located adjacent one end of saidmotor, the heat transfer capacity of said means and said body beingsufficient to dissipate the power loss heat generated by said motor topermit substantially high output and continuous operation of said motorat a substantially constant maximum temperature within the allowabletemperature range of said motor while said body is in said environment,said motor including a cylindrical housing and said heat transfer meanscomprising an annular disc, said disc fitting in heat transferrelationship around the outer periphery of said housing and the innerperiphery of said body, said housing including and end bell to form theend of said motor, said disc being mounted substantially in the plane ofsaid bell.
 21. In a motorized device for work in a fluid environment,the combination of a motor, a shell-like body forming a sealed enclosureto substantially surround and protect the motor from the environment, atleast a portion of the outer surface of said body being capable oftransferring heat to said environment, and means for directlytransferring substantially the total heat from said motor to saidportion of said body, said heat transfer means being at least partiallylocated adjacent one end of said motor, the heat transfer capacity ofsaid means and said body being sufficient to dissipate the power lossheat generated by said motor to permit substantially high output andcontinuous operation of said motor at a substantially constant maximumtemperature within the allowable temperature range of said motor whilesaid body is in said environment, said heat transfer means including anend bell of one end of said motor mounted in contact with one end ofsaid shell-like body so as to be in heat transfer relationship therewithwhereby to directly transfer heat to said body to aid in dissipation ofthe heat from said motor.